by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
One of the most talented vocalists to come out of the sleaze and gutter-fun of the ’80s is Jizzy Pearl. Unlike many, MANY of his brethren, Jizzy still has his vocal chops, and he proves it once again on his new release, Hell, CA. Underrated as hell, Jizzy was probably the only singer who could step in to LA Guns and replace Phil Lewis for one album, and Shrinking Violet stands up against the entire LA Guns discography as one of their best releases. Known as the voice of the band Love/Hate, he hasn’t stopped his musical output (much) since then, and his new release will add some new spider veins to your face.
You uncork the bottle with “One Hot Minute,” with a racing rhythm, a quick, shrapnel spray of a guitar lead, and then the thumping starts. Like the best singers around, Jizzy is authentic. You’ll never think anything except “That’s Jizzy Pearl” when you hear his voice. That may lead him to a love it or leave it arena, but how can’t you just dig what he’s chucking at you?
“Acid Babe” slams into you next, a grimy, staccato rhythmed construct at the onset that is definitely a yell-along anthem. It’s groovy, with Jizzy snearing yet playful in his delivery.
“Soul Mama” is another highlight, sounding like it could cover off one of the band’s early releases. The chorus gets heated, and then chugs into the slower verses. Another kick ass booze-laden composition.
The guys finally take a breather on “Last Chance,” a heartfelt and scab-ribbing honesty dripping from the vocals and the lyrics. “You know you know you gotta hate me, you know you know you gotta pray for me, you know you know you gotta save me …”
You swallow the last of the moonshine on “Lonely Days are Gone.” This track has a bluesy groove, something you haven’t heard often from Jizzy, and he owns it. After hearing all the bottle-breaking burners before the finality, it’s easy to say this is likely the best song on Hell, CA.
With so many singers from this era losing their talent, changing keys or in the worst cases dropping complete octaves from the original vocals, here stands Jizzy. Unrelenting, still improving, still working his ass off, and if Hell, CA is any indication, those other singers can go back to the bottle and cigarettes–just give Jizzy the mic.
Genre: Hard Rock
Tracklisting:
01. One Hot Minute
02. Acid Babe
03. Gonna Take You Higher
04. Soul Mama
05. Hard to Say Goodbye
06. When You Gonna Come Home
07. Last Chance
08. Bruised and Battered
09. Wanna Be Somebody
10. Lonely Days are Gone
Label: Golden Robot Records
Online:
https://jizzypearl.net
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.8 / 10)
